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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3290060" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 218, “The Dwarven Miners “, Saturday, April 1st , 1882, 12:30 P.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>Jake looks at his pocket watch. "Nanuet and I are going to have to leave soon. It will take us longer to get there. Also, the books need to get loaded. We should have Jeff Mills and whoever else is left behind watch and see if we are followed. Maybe even send some law folks after whoever follows us." </p><p></p><p>Chester speaks up, "You forget, scouting used to be my job. I'm better at not being heard than keeping out of sight, though." And so is Nanuet, thinks Jake. Damn. "All right Chester, maybe it is better if you and Nanuet are the scouts." Jake turns to Nanuet. "After wearing those white man suits, you still remember how to use your bow, Indian? I hope so, it might get us a Cowboy quiet like." "Just like riding a horse, once you learn you never forget. I have these also" Nanuet says, pointing to the pair of knives "they come in handy too."</p><p></p><p>Regarding the potion Ruby says, "I have no idea. Why do you keep asking me like I know something? I tried pouring a drop on the newspaper, nothing happened. But there was that dagger... I, or someone, should hold onto that. And yes, Gonzales can do that if he has it memorized, that's a good idea." Jake says, "Keep the knife for yourself if you'll use it, otherwise give it to Nanuet. It was pretty big I thought." </p><p></p><p>Upstairs, Kate found Mr. Gonzales and Dorita piling up books. "I'm sorry to disturb you again, but I just thought of something that might be able to help us. That spell you used to find President de Sucre. Could we use that to find Ringo?” He says "I could try, but am at a disadvantage having never actually seen Ringo before. With Sucre we at least had a photograph." Kate suggests, "I know what he looks like. Could you see him the way you saw my home in Boston? Look into my thoughts and pull the picture out of them?"</p><p></p><p>"I can try" Gonzales states. Kate gives him the notes to examine and use as part of the spell. He then casts the Detect Thoughts spell telling her to focus only upon Ringo. Gonzales He gets the reflecting pool ready and casts the spells. Nothing is apparent after several minutes. Gonzales stops the attempt and says, "I'm sorry, it is not working."</p><p></p><p>"It's alright. Thank you for trying. They're downstairs now trying to work out what to do. You may be called on for some invisibility." Kate paused. "Is Ruby right? Is it too risky for me to go with them? If we're using those scrolls, I could be caught in a place where magic won't work, and the baby would be vulnerable. And of course, no amount of protection will help him if I... If I don't come back."</p><p></p><p>Gonzales says, "I do not know. It might be riskier for you to stay in town today. You might actually be safe as long as you give him what he wants. He has threatened your friends and not you yourself." She replies, "I'm afraid we're past the point where Ringo gets what he wants. We'll take books to the mine, but Ringo won't live to enjoy them."</p><p></p><p>Gonzales and Dorita move the books from his mansion into the bed in his El Parador bedroom. He says, "Send up Pedro and Estaban and we'll get this pile of Greek and Latin texts downstairs to put on top. Let me know what else I can do to help." "I will." Kate walked over and hugged her teacher tight. "Thank you for everything," she said simply before she turned and left the room. </p><p></p><p>Downstairs she found Pedro and asked him to make sure Ricardo saw Ginnie when she came in for her lunch route, sent he and Estaban upstairs, then rejoined the others at the table. She gave Conrad a small smile and turned her attention to the conversation.</p><p></p><p>Katherine comes back down stairs. "It didn't work. My teacher hasn't seen Ringo himself, so he had only my memories to go by, and I suspect Ringo might be using something to prevent magical location. I know you're in a hurry to go, but give me a little time. Jeff is with Ginnie and she is trying to find out what the children around town and the people on her lunch route have seen. She may find out something that can help us. She wanted me to give her until 1:30." Jake sighs heavily and nods. "All right, but we need to get everything finished by 1:30. We are cutting this way too close."</p><p></p><p>Conrad and Estaban return ten minutes after they had left (noonish) accompanied by a pair of dwarves. One dwarf is wearing denim overalls, a plaid work shirt and boots. The other is older and wearing on old suit jacket over a cotton shirt with wool pants and boots. </p><p></p><p>Conrad tells Jake "Mr. Cook, I would like to introduce you to Vidkan Gerhardsen (gesturing to the older man) and Bjorn Kviteseid. Vidkan is the Last Ditch Mine's co-owner and work foreman. He knows it best but only speaks Norwegian, German and Dwarven, so I brought his worker Bjorn along as well as he is also fluent in English."</p><p></p><p>Jake stands and shakes hands with both men. "Thanks Conrad, and gentlemen, pleasure to meet you." He gestures for them to have a seat at the crowded table. "So, what can you tell us about your mine? Any information, especially about the layout and the land surrounding would be appreciated."</p><p></p><p>Vidkan talks while Bjorn translates. The Last Ditch mine is along the eastern slope of the tallest of a series of hills three-and-one-quarter miles northwest of Promise City. Vidkan and his partner own a jagged hill that rises nearly straight up for 200 feet and is approximately 300 to 500 feet in diameter. It is surrounded by several smaller hills that are roughly 100 to 200 feet in diameter and vary from 50 to 150 feet in height. </p><p></p><p>The mine itself has two tunnels dug into the hill which connect further in. There are four working shafts going down to different tunnel levels below at depths of approximately 40, 80, 120 and 160 feet below the surface. They had also drilled a fifth shaft planned for a depth of 200 feet but struck water at 185 feet down instead. </p><p></p><p>The mine has rails and handcars, plus one steam powered boring drill used to dig the initial tunnels and shafts. He says that his crew of eight have been digging for fourteen months now and only recently had extracted enough silver and a smattering of gold to recoup their investment to date in labor and equipment.</p><p></p><p>Ruby asks, "Is there anyone at the mine today?" Bjorn replies, "No, we closed the mine up at noontime yesterday so that everybody could come to town and enjoy the festival. We're all staying in a large cabin tent on the hills just east of town. We're a protective bunch. We locked the doors to both tunnels and the tool shed nice and tight to keep any intruders out."</p><p></p><p>"That's good to hear. We certainly appreciate you sharing your information with us. Is there anything else you think we need to know?" Ruby gives them a dazzling smile and leans forward on the table just a tiny bit. Bjorn translates. Vidkan says something quickly and loudly which the younger dwarf translates as "He wants to know who is trespassing at our mine and when we can go get our crew to stop them."</p><p></p><p>Jake grins. "They are known as the Cowboy Gang. They are murderers, thieves and worse. We are hoping to surprise them but I don't know. I wish I could get you and your folks there secretly. We have our own score to settle with them, involving blackmail and attempted murder. There is certainly going to be gunfire today, and likely a lot of blood will flow. We are hoping it is theirs. I don't think they are after your mine, but I don't know." Jake pauses. "I can't keep you off your property. We'll be leaving around 1:30 or so...." </p><p></p><p>"I am going also" Minerva says. "I can shoot a gun and heal if necessary. Tell me what you wish me to do and I shall do it." Nanuet exclaims, "You have to stay safe! I know you want to help, but I can't do my job and worry about your safety as well. What about the festival, aren't you needed for that too?" Nanuet begins jabbering nonsense, talking over himself as he paces excitedly back and forth. "But then again if you are in town... safety in numbers... just started to believe in love again... that bastard!"</p><p></p><p>Jake listens to Nanuet arguing with himself about Minerva. Do I sound like that? He watches for Van Horne out front. I didn't think I'd be here this long, maybe I'll be able to catch him. Jake tries to keep an eye on Ruby and keep her relaxed. "We'll be alright. Looks like Chet wants to go with Nanuet, so you are stuck with me. If we can get Sonoma or Gonzalez to make us invisible, Minerva and I can ride in the wagon in back and drop out near the mine. Then you are the show darling. Be helpless Katherine and see what happens. We'll play it by ear and the last resort is to threaten to burn the books. If we think we can take whoever we see, then we'll act. Though it will probably be Chet and the Indian who act first. Otherwise we'll follow your lead." Jake smiles. "I'll be right there."</p><p></p><p>"Thanks baby." Ruby smiles back but is only comforted slightly. "You do know this is a setup, right? Probably just to get us out of town. And you do realize that if gunfire erupts poor little Katherine and her books are going to be the first one they shoot at." "That is possible." He smirks at her. "Why don't I play Katherine and drink one of Dorita's teas for the voice trick. Won't they be surprised when a real gun slinger fires back. Besides, it's my turn to get shot."</p><p>Ruby doesn't smile back at Jake. "No, I couldn't watch you get shot. You have to be somewhere close so if they shoot at me you can shoot them back." </p><p></p><p>"So when do Chester and I get to go out there and get this thing started? The quicker we act the better. Just standing around is going to give them more time to prepare for us. Ringo and his magic could be listening in on us right now for all we know." Jake points to the candle still burning on the table they are at and shrugs. Jake then replies, "I know, I'm antsy too. Katherine thinks that Ginnie may be learning something useful. As soon as she is back or at 1:30 you two are out of here." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet looks over at Chester. "You ready? You still got a potion of invisibility? That will certainly be useful. So do we go now or do we help you load the books? What kinds of signals do we use to let you know we are in trouble or that everything is OK? Should we scout and then meet up with you or just stay in position there? The latter I am guessing."</p><p></p><p>Jake states, "Someone else will take care of the books. If Chet is going to talk to Berg, he should do it right now. You two are the scouts, you tell us the signals. If we hear gunfire we'll know things aren't OK." Jake grins at him. "Learn what you can and get in the best position to ambush the ambushers as you said. We might start something at the wagon, but it will likely be you two who start the assault. I am hoping they will be focused on the wagon and you can have some surprise. I don't know what in Hades to make of those dwarves, but we are not in a position to refuse help."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet says, "I agree the Dwarves help could prove invaluable. We will wait for Ginnie to return. Chester, if you want company going to talk to Berg I will accompany you. As far as the signals go, gunfire will be a sure sign of trouble as we will try to dispatch as many of the enemy as we can silently. If you hear my war cry then you will know it is time to start the action, but not necessarily that things have gone bad. I will send Maska to you if you need to leave the area and I am unable to get to you." </p><p></p><p>"Agreed." Jake says to Nanuet. Chester nods in agreement at the signals. "Sounds good to me. If Ringo thinks there's an Apache war party after him, that's good too. Let's go see Berg. If this is a feint to get us out of town, then the other Marshals need to stay here. Jake, what should I tell him? I don't like leaving him in the dark, especially since his life is on the line, too."</p><p></p><p>Minerva argues with Nanuet. " I am going. We need as much firepower as we can get if we are to subdue the cowboys. You need me there. If someone is gravely injured it will take the two of us to use your necklace to save them. We are in this together mi amor" she says placing her hand on the side of his face and looking into his eyes. She turns to the rest of the group "Opening Ceremonies begin at 1:00. I should be on hand to avert suspicion but I'll make my part short and be back here before 1:30. I'll go back to my room to be sure that I have everything that I need for this. I do have two rounds of that special pistol ammunition as well as 2 rounds of it for my rifle I hope that is enough. I may be able to use this today after all" she laughs mirthlessly and pats her parasol which disguises her rapier. "It could come in handy if we need to quiet someone." Nanuet says, "I can not argue with you as your name is on one of those letters. Someone must go with you though to the ceremony, you can't go alone."</p><p></p><p>Ruby states, "I have to pick up a couple more things before we leave. Anything else I need to know right now?" Ruby excuses herself then runs back to the Lucky Lady with her pack. </p><p></p><p>Kate says, "I won't be able to take care of the children's games this afternoon, obviously. But I had a couple people ready to help me. I'll send some notes and hope they won't be angry that I am leaving them to do this for me." Kate went upstairs and dashed off one not to Meghan O'Hara, and another Sandra Wainwright. She said only that she had a personal emergency, and that she would make it up to them somehow. She still wasn't sure if she should go with the others or not. For the moment, she left the riding clothes in the closet and went back downstairs. </p><p></p><p>Ginnie arrives back at the El Parador a few minutes later looking for Kate. Kate let out a relieved breath and hurried over to her girl. "Has everything gone alright?" Ginnie replies, "Yes. Ringo was seen in Tombstone last night while several of his Galeyville Associates were here in Promise City last night at the Billiard Hall. Their horses were at the Papago Cash Store's corral this morning but are gone now." </p><p></p><p>Kate replies, "So they may have gone to the mine. Thank you Ginnie. I want you to be careful this afternoon. I'd feel much better if you'd just stay here, but if you insist on being out, be in and upstairs with Mr. Gonzales before five. Is there anything else you learned?" Ginnie looks up at her and says, "Yes Ma'am Kate, but that ring will solve that other problem that's been bothering you. When your body starts to...change...you will just need to wear this new 'Kate' ring while in public as people will see you as you are now."</p><p></p><p>Kate says, "Why, I.... I had never thought of such a thing. It might work. But then I would have to explain the new addition to our family somehow. Thank you, Ginnie. I'll think on it." She gave Ginnie a genuine smile, glad to hear her say "Ma'am Kate," again instead of calling her Mrs. Kale.</p><p></p><p>Ruby picks up every potion she has and delicately wraps them in a shawl and puts them in her bag. She slips the scroll inside her bodice. She takes the magical dagger and slips it between her skin and the leather strap that holds her gun on. </p><p></p><p>After her gear is all gathered she heads to Pierre to get the rod. Pierre has the rod ready, disguised to resemble the old-style shotgun. He tells Ruby "This should hold up to close inspection to folks unless you happen to be around an old-timer who had a single-shot Loomis before. Of course, you'll have to still grip the rod with both hands to use it, so that'll give away the secret, but they'd figure that out soon enough when the shot was fired anyway."</p><p></p><p>"Thank you Pierre!" Ruby can't resist the only good news of the day so far, so she plants a wet kiss on his cheek. "Thank you thank you thank you!" She uses the strap and slings the "gun" over her shoulder. She heads back to the Cantina. </p><p></p><p>Once there she helps move the books set aside by Gonzales and Dorita. They place them in the cart over the dummy books Jake had acquired. She apologizes to Gonzales, "I am sorry about earlier, with the whole spell thing. I'm just so nervous something will happen to one of my friends, or Jake. I just couldn't bare something terrible happening to one of them."</p><p></p><p>Gonzales says, "I understand and while I haven't had a chance to teach you that spell yet during the last half-hour I was able to transcribe one onto a scroll for you. You could cast it upon either yourself or somebody else and you or they would be able to detect any invisible people or objects for up to the next three-quarters of an hour."</p><p></p><p>Ruby hugs Gonzales tightly. "Thank you," she whispers into ear before letting go. Then she pulls away. "I don't want to admit how scared I am to any of them. I'm not used to feeling scared of losing something. I'm going to need you to turn me into Kate when we're ready. Plus if you could, I think we need some people turned invisible or possibly even teleported there. Can you help with any of that?"</p><p></p><p>Gonzales has Ruby accompany him into his workshop where he gets the "Tex" ring. He says, "I have the ability to add clothing to the illusion but it would probably be better this time if I don't, as you may need to also be her later today when different clothing could be required. You'll be able to borrow whatever you need to wear from her anyway. You may want to get the clothing before using the ring, as your attire will not exactly fit her frame. Now, think of some phrases to use as the change incantations on and off. Something easy to remember but that you won't say accidentally in conversation."</p><p></p><p>She suggests, "How about 'I hate bourbon' and 'I love Johnny Ringo,' " Ruby snickers. "You never hear me say either of those things. Unless you want something anyone wouldn't say but then how am I supposed to know what that is?" He answers, "The 'I hate bourbon' would work, but it is best not to include Ringo's name as part of it, his name tends to attract attention. How about 'I love Milk', that strikes me as about as likely." A smile comes to Ruby's face. "That's fine, it works." </p><p></p><p>Gonzales adds, "I only studied one Invisibility today but could provide that. As for the teleportation, I only have two, enough to get somewhere and back. I'd rather hold off on using those if I could as we may need them later for an emergency." She replies, "Good thinking. We might need to escape later. I'll go find Kate and get some clothes from her." Ruby hurries out of the room and checks downstairs to find Kate.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 3290060, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 218, “The Dwarven Miners “, Saturday, April 1st , 1882, 12:30 P.M.[/B] Jake looks at his pocket watch. "Nanuet and I are going to have to leave soon. It will take us longer to get there. Also, the books need to get loaded. We should have Jeff Mills and whoever else is left behind watch and see if we are followed. Maybe even send some law folks after whoever follows us." Chester speaks up, "You forget, scouting used to be my job. I'm better at not being heard than keeping out of sight, though." And so is Nanuet, thinks Jake. Damn. "All right Chester, maybe it is better if you and Nanuet are the scouts." Jake turns to Nanuet. "After wearing those white man suits, you still remember how to use your bow, Indian? I hope so, it might get us a Cowboy quiet like." "Just like riding a horse, once you learn you never forget. I have these also" Nanuet says, pointing to the pair of knives "they come in handy too." Regarding the potion Ruby says, "I have no idea. Why do you keep asking me like I know something? I tried pouring a drop on the newspaper, nothing happened. But there was that dagger... I, or someone, should hold onto that. And yes, Gonzales can do that if he has it memorized, that's a good idea." Jake says, "Keep the knife for yourself if you'll use it, otherwise give it to Nanuet. It was pretty big I thought." Upstairs, Kate found Mr. Gonzales and Dorita piling up books. "I'm sorry to disturb you again, but I just thought of something that might be able to help us. That spell you used to find President de Sucre. Could we use that to find Ringo?” He says "I could try, but am at a disadvantage having never actually seen Ringo before. With Sucre we at least had a photograph." Kate suggests, "I know what he looks like. Could you see him the way you saw my home in Boston? Look into my thoughts and pull the picture out of them?" "I can try" Gonzales states. Kate gives him the notes to examine and use as part of the spell. He then casts the Detect Thoughts spell telling her to focus only upon Ringo. Gonzales He gets the reflecting pool ready and casts the spells. Nothing is apparent after several minutes. Gonzales stops the attempt and says, "I'm sorry, it is not working." "It's alright. Thank you for trying. They're downstairs now trying to work out what to do. You may be called on for some invisibility." Kate paused. "Is Ruby right? Is it too risky for me to go with them? If we're using those scrolls, I could be caught in a place where magic won't work, and the baby would be vulnerable. And of course, no amount of protection will help him if I... If I don't come back." Gonzales says, "I do not know. It might be riskier for you to stay in town today. You might actually be safe as long as you give him what he wants. He has threatened your friends and not you yourself." She replies, "I'm afraid we're past the point where Ringo gets what he wants. We'll take books to the mine, but Ringo won't live to enjoy them." Gonzales and Dorita move the books from his mansion into the bed in his El Parador bedroom. He says, "Send up Pedro and Estaban and we'll get this pile of Greek and Latin texts downstairs to put on top. Let me know what else I can do to help." "I will." Kate walked over and hugged her teacher tight. "Thank you for everything," she said simply before she turned and left the room. Downstairs she found Pedro and asked him to make sure Ricardo saw Ginnie when she came in for her lunch route, sent he and Estaban upstairs, then rejoined the others at the table. She gave Conrad a small smile and turned her attention to the conversation. Katherine comes back down stairs. "It didn't work. My teacher hasn't seen Ringo himself, so he had only my memories to go by, and I suspect Ringo might be using something to prevent magical location. I know you're in a hurry to go, but give me a little time. Jeff is with Ginnie and she is trying to find out what the children around town and the people on her lunch route have seen. She may find out something that can help us. She wanted me to give her until 1:30." Jake sighs heavily and nods. "All right, but we need to get everything finished by 1:30. We are cutting this way too close." Conrad and Estaban return ten minutes after they had left (noonish) accompanied by a pair of dwarves. One dwarf is wearing denim overalls, a plaid work shirt and boots. The other is older and wearing on old suit jacket over a cotton shirt with wool pants and boots. Conrad tells Jake "Mr. Cook, I would like to introduce you to Vidkan Gerhardsen (gesturing to the older man) and Bjorn Kviteseid. Vidkan is the Last Ditch Mine's co-owner and work foreman. He knows it best but only speaks Norwegian, German and Dwarven, so I brought his worker Bjorn along as well as he is also fluent in English." Jake stands and shakes hands with both men. "Thanks Conrad, and gentlemen, pleasure to meet you." He gestures for them to have a seat at the crowded table. "So, what can you tell us about your mine? Any information, especially about the layout and the land surrounding would be appreciated." Vidkan talks while Bjorn translates. The Last Ditch mine is along the eastern slope of the tallest of a series of hills three-and-one-quarter miles northwest of Promise City. Vidkan and his partner own a jagged hill that rises nearly straight up for 200 feet and is approximately 300 to 500 feet in diameter. It is surrounded by several smaller hills that are roughly 100 to 200 feet in diameter and vary from 50 to 150 feet in height. The mine itself has two tunnels dug into the hill which connect further in. There are four working shafts going down to different tunnel levels below at depths of approximately 40, 80, 120 and 160 feet below the surface. They had also drilled a fifth shaft planned for a depth of 200 feet but struck water at 185 feet down instead. The mine has rails and handcars, plus one steam powered boring drill used to dig the initial tunnels and shafts. He says that his crew of eight have been digging for fourteen months now and only recently had extracted enough silver and a smattering of gold to recoup their investment to date in labor and equipment. Ruby asks, "Is there anyone at the mine today?" Bjorn replies, "No, we closed the mine up at noontime yesterday so that everybody could come to town and enjoy the festival. We're all staying in a large cabin tent on the hills just east of town. We're a protective bunch. We locked the doors to both tunnels and the tool shed nice and tight to keep any intruders out." "That's good to hear. We certainly appreciate you sharing your information with us. Is there anything else you think we need to know?" Ruby gives them a dazzling smile and leans forward on the table just a tiny bit. Bjorn translates. Vidkan says something quickly and loudly which the younger dwarf translates as "He wants to know who is trespassing at our mine and when we can go get our crew to stop them." Jake grins. "They are known as the Cowboy Gang. They are murderers, thieves and worse. We are hoping to surprise them but I don't know. I wish I could get you and your folks there secretly. We have our own score to settle with them, involving blackmail and attempted murder. There is certainly going to be gunfire today, and likely a lot of blood will flow. We are hoping it is theirs. I don't think they are after your mine, but I don't know." Jake pauses. "I can't keep you off your property. We'll be leaving around 1:30 or so...." "I am going also" Minerva says. "I can shoot a gun and heal if necessary. Tell me what you wish me to do and I shall do it." Nanuet exclaims, "You have to stay safe! I know you want to help, but I can't do my job and worry about your safety as well. What about the festival, aren't you needed for that too?" Nanuet begins jabbering nonsense, talking over himself as he paces excitedly back and forth. "But then again if you are in town... safety in numbers... just started to believe in love again... that bastard!" Jake listens to Nanuet arguing with himself about Minerva. Do I sound like that? He watches for Van Horne out front. I didn't think I'd be here this long, maybe I'll be able to catch him. Jake tries to keep an eye on Ruby and keep her relaxed. "We'll be alright. Looks like Chet wants to go with Nanuet, so you are stuck with me. If we can get Sonoma or Gonzalez to make us invisible, Minerva and I can ride in the wagon in back and drop out near the mine. Then you are the show darling. Be helpless Katherine and see what happens. We'll play it by ear and the last resort is to threaten to burn the books. If we think we can take whoever we see, then we'll act. Though it will probably be Chet and the Indian who act first. Otherwise we'll follow your lead." Jake smiles. "I'll be right there." "Thanks baby." Ruby smiles back but is only comforted slightly. "You do know this is a setup, right? Probably just to get us out of town. And you do realize that if gunfire erupts poor little Katherine and her books are going to be the first one they shoot at." "That is possible." He smirks at her. "Why don't I play Katherine and drink one of Dorita's teas for the voice trick. Won't they be surprised when a real gun slinger fires back. Besides, it's my turn to get shot." Ruby doesn't smile back at Jake. "No, I couldn't watch you get shot. You have to be somewhere close so if they shoot at me you can shoot them back." "So when do Chester and I get to go out there and get this thing started? The quicker we act the better. Just standing around is going to give them more time to prepare for us. Ringo and his magic could be listening in on us right now for all we know." Jake points to the candle still burning on the table they are at and shrugs. Jake then replies, "I know, I'm antsy too. Katherine thinks that Ginnie may be learning something useful. As soon as she is back or at 1:30 you two are out of here." Nanuet looks over at Chester. "You ready? You still got a potion of invisibility? That will certainly be useful. So do we go now or do we help you load the books? What kinds of signals do we use to let you know we are in trouble or that everything is OK? Should we scout and then meet up with you or just stay in position there? The latter I am guessing." Jake states, "Someone else will take care of the books. If Chet is going to talk to Berg, he should do it right now. You two are the scouts, you tell us the signals. If we hear gunfire we'll know things aren't OK." Jake grins at him. "Learn what you can and get in the best position to ambush the ambushers as you said. We might start something at the wagon, but it will likely be you two who start the assault. I am hoping they will be focused on the wagon and you can have some surprise. I don't know what in Hades to make of those dwarves, but we are not in a position to refuse help." Nanuet says, "I agree the Dwarves help could prove invaluable. We will wait for Ginnie to return. Chester, if you want company going to talk to Berg I will accompany you. As far as the signals go, gunfire will be a sure sign of trouble as we will try to dispatch as many of the enemy as we can silently. If you hear my war cry then you will know it is time to start the action, but not necessarily that things have gone bad. I will send Maska to you if you need to leave the area and I am unable to get to you." "Agreed." Jake says to Nanuet. Chester nods in agreement at the signals. "Sounds good to me. If Ringo thinks there's an Apache war party after him, that's good too. Let's go see Berg. If this is a feint to get us out of town, then the other Marshals need to stay here. Jake, what should I tell him? I don't like leaving him in the dark, especially since his life is on the line, too." Minerva argues with Nanuet. " I am going. We need as much firepower as we can get if we are to subdue the cowboys. You need me there. If someone is gravely injured it will take the two of us to use your necklace to save them. We are in this together mi amor" she says placing her hand on the side of his face and looking into his eyes. She turns to the rest of the group "Opening Ceremonies begin at 1:00. I should be on hand to avert suspicion but I'll make my part short and be back here before 1:30. I'll go back to my room to be sure that I have everything that I need for this. I do have two rounds of that special pistol ammunition as well as 2 rounds of it for my rifle I hope that is enough. I may be able to use this today after all" she laughs mirthlessly and pats her parasol which disguises her rapier. "It could come in handy if we need to quiet someone." Nanuet says, "I can not argue with you as your name is on one of those letters. Someone must go with you though to the ceremony, you can't go alone." Ruby states, "I have to pick up a couple more things before we leave. Anything else I need to know right now?" Ruby excuses herself then runs back to the Lucky Lady with her pack. Kate says, "I won't be able to take care of the children's games this afternoon, obviously. But I had a couple people ready to help me. I'll send some notes and hope they won't be angry that I am leaving them to do this for me." Kate went upstairs and dashed off one not to Meghan O'Hara, and another Sandra Wainwright. She said only that she had a personal emergency, and that she would make it up to them somehow. She still wasn't sure if she should go with the others or not. For the moment, she left the riding clothes in the closet and went back downstairs. Ginnie arrives back at the El Parador a few minutes later looking for Kate. Kate let out a relieved breath and hurried over to her girl. "Has everything gone alright?" Ginnie replies, "Yes. Ringo was seen in Tombstone last night while several of his Galeyville Associates were here in Promise City last night at the Billiard Hall. Their horses were at the Papago Cash Store's corral this morning but are gone now." Kate replies, "So they may have gone to the mine. Thank you Ginnie. I want you to be careful this afternoon. I'd feel much better if you'd just stay here, but if you insist on being out, be in and upstairs with Mr. Gonzales before five. Is there anything else you learned?" Ginnie looks up at her and says, "Yes Ma'am Kate, but that ring will solve that other problem that's been bothering you. When your body starts to...change...you will just need to wear this new 'Kate' ring while in public as people will see you as you are now." Kate says, "Why, I.... I had never thought of such a thing. It might work. But then I would have to explain the new addition to our family somehow. Thank you, Ginnie. I'll think on it." She gave Ginnie a genuine smile, glad to hear her say "Ma'am Kate," again instead of calling her Mrs. Kale. Ruby picks up every potion she has and delicately wraps them in a shawl and puts them in her bag. She slips the scroll inside her bodice. She takes the magical dagger and slips it between her skin and the leather strap that holds her gun on. After her gear is all gathered she heads to Pierre to get the rod. Pierre has the rod ready, disguised to resemble the old-style shotgun. He tells Ruby "This should hold up to close inspection to folks unless you happen to be around an old-timer who had a single-shot Loomis before. Of course, you'll have to still grip the rod with both hands to use it, so that'll give away the secret, but they'd figure that out soon enough when the shot was fired anyway." "Thank you Pierre!" Ruby can't resist the only good news of the day so far, so she plants a wet kiss on his cheek. "Thank you thank you thank you!" She uses the strap and slings the "gun" over her shoulder. She heads back to the Cantina. Once there she helps move the books set aside by Gonzales and Dorita. They place them in the cart over the dummy books Jake had acquired. She apologizes to Gonzales, "I am sorry about earlier, with the whole spell thing. I'm just so nervous something will happen to one of my friends, or Jake. I just couldn't bare something terrible happening to one of them." Gonzales says, "I understand and while I haven't had a chance to teach you that spell yet during the last half-hour I was able to transcribe one onto a scroll for you. You could cast it upon either yourself or somebody else and you or they would be able to detect any invisible people or objects for up to the next three-quarters of an hour." Ruby hugs Gonzales tightly. "Thank you," she whispers into ear before letting go. Then she pulls away. "I don't want to admit how scared I am to any of them. I'm not used to feeling scared of losing something. I'm going to need you to turn me into Kate when we're ready. Plus if you could, I think we need some people turned invisible or possibly even teleported there. Can you help with any of that?" Gonzales has Ruby accompany him into his workshop where he gets the "Tex" ring. He says, "I have the ability to add clothing to the illusion but it would probably be better this time if I don't, as you may need to also be her later today when different clothing could be required. You'll be able to borrow whatever you need to wear from her anyway. You may want to get the clothing before using the ring, as your attire will not exactly fit her frame. Now, think of some phrases to use as the change incantations on and off. Something easy to remember but that you won't say accidentally in conversation." She suggests, "How about 'I hate bourbon' and 'I love Johnny Ringo,' " Ruby snickers. "You never hear me say either of those things. Unless you want something anyone wouldn't say but then how am I supposed to know what that is?" He answers, "The 'I hate bourbon' would work, but it is best not to include Ringo's name as part of it, his name tends to attract attention. How about 'I love Milk', that strikes me as about as likely." A smile comes to Ruby's face. "That's fine, it works." Gonzales adds, "I only studied one Invisibility today but could provide that. As for the teleportation, I only have two, enough to get somewhere and back. I'd rather hold off on using those if I could as we may need them later for an emergency." She replies, "Good thinking. We might need to escape later. I'll go find Kate and get some clothes from her." Ruby hurries out of the room and checks downstairs to find Kate. [/QUOTE]
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